Area students part of St. Mike's Phantom of the Opera

Senior students Kurtis Eisler and Julia Gwyn agreed it’s the show they’ve long dreamed of starring in. The two leads have been looking forward to this production since they started high school at St. Mike’s.

Gwyn, who plays Christine, called it "the" role – the one she’d always hoped for.

"I’m really into music and theatre. I’ve been a part of every production since I’ve been in high school," said the 18-year-old. "This is one of my favourite musicals."

Students at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School have been rehearsing for this show since September, more than twice the average preparation time. Phantom of the Opera opens on May 17 (tonight) and runs until May 19 at the west-end school.

"All of the music is great, and the story, I just love it all," Gwyn said.

Eisler, of RR 5 Mitchell, stars opposite Gwyn as the Phantom. Though it’s been a challenge to prepare for a musical with such an intense soundtrack, the end result will be more than worth it.

"I’ve been doing every play here since Grade 9," said Eisler, 17.

"(Teacher Tina) Robinson asked me, if I could do one play, what would it be? I said Phantom of the Opera and she kind of looked at me funny and said ‘you know that’s a bit of a big play?’"

Nailing the musical portions is the biggest challenge, Eisler said. Hitting the notes – not to mention the vast range that’s required – is a real test.

"It’s been a lot of precision work. It wasn’t that bad to learn the gist of it, but then to fine-tune – that’s been the real trick of it all," he said.

Those haunting and beautiful melodies can have a big impact.

"The music can be more powerful than any of the words," said Gwyn. "Some of the numbers have been pretty tricky and demanding, but it’s been worth it."

Both leads crave that connection between character, actor and audience.

"I’ve always loved trying to get emotion from people, ever since I was little, whether happy or sad," said Gwyn. "You’re able to express emotions that you wouldn’t normally on your own."

For Eisler, it’s all about embracing the role.

"(I) like being able to step right into his shoes and find out his story," he said.

"It’s not just learning the story, but to take that story and make it mine, in a sense, and embody it."